Social Innovation Certificate at University of the Fraser Valley

Programme overview

The Social Innovation Certificate empowers you to become a changemaker—someone who takes informed, intentional action to create positive cultural, social, environmental, or economic change. You’ll gain the tools and mindset to tackle complex challenges using creative, inclusive, and practical approaches.

Duration: Four semesters | Study mode: full-time | Intake: January, May, September | Location: Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Through this program, you’ll learn how to think differently, work across disciplines, and take action in ways that reflect values like sustainability, decolonization, and social justice. Whether you’re aiming for a career in non-profits, business, education, or public service—or you simply want to make a difference—this certificate helps you lead with purpose.

Career pathways

Adding this certificate to a degree or taking it on its own allows you to craft a purpose-driven career making a difference in any industry sector. Faculty will provide career advising to help you match your social innovation skills to your career interests/goals.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Non-UFV students may apply directly for admission to the Social Innovation certificate only. Current UFV students wishing to complete the certificate may do so by declaring the program through the Academic Advising Centre. Students must ensure that they meet course prerequisites. Applicants must meet the Entry-level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar. Option 1: Secondary school B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or minimum 19 years of age before the first day of classes. Option 2: University entrance (for students who have attended some post-secondary school) One of the following: Completion of a minimum of 9 credits in courses numbered at the 100 level and above, with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on all credits attempted.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

UFV has three semesters: Fall (September to December), Winter (January to April) and Summer (May to August; two sessions, May-June and July-August). Some programs accept new students only at specific times (for example Fall only); others accept students in all semesters.

Domestic applicants: programs with continuous application accept applications any time; programs with specific intakes accept applications for set start dates only, listed on the programs open for application page.

International applicants: application period for Fall (Sept to Dec) is Oct 1 to June 1, for Winter (Jan to Apr) is May 1 to Nov 1, and for Summer (May to Aug) is Oct 1 to March 1. Tuition deposit deadlines are June 15 (Fall), Nov 15 (Winter) and Mar 15 (Summer). Some programs may close early due to high demand.

Domestic applicants apply through EducationPlannerBC. Grade 12 students graduating in June may apply for continuous-application programs starting October 1 of their grade 12 year; final high school grades for Fall are due by August 3. The application fee is paid by credit card when applying, or by debit card or cheque at the Office of the Registrar on any campus.

Apply through the official page: https://www.ufv.ca/admissions/apply/

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